When we're in our youth, we're constantly trying to look older and more mature. We try sneaking into R-rated movies, getting fake IDs and anything else we can do to try and cheat time. But once we've reached a certain age, our thoughts and priorities change. As we see our first wrinkles appear, stop getting carded at the grocery store and start getting invited to school reunions, all we want to do is look younger than we are.
And while it's not possible to completely prevent the aging process, it is possible to slow it down (or even reverse it to a certain extent). I asked Dr. Harry Glassman, creator of the SkinClinical red light therapy device and world-renowned cosmetic surgeon, for his top 10 tips to help slow down the visible signs of aging.
1. Limit Your Sun Exposure
The sun’s UV rays account for up to 80% of visible signs of aging. No matter what time of the year it is, it’s important to protect your skin—not only from the risk of skin cancer, but from prematurely aging skin. See our picks for sun care here.
2. Avoid Large Weight Fluctuations
Weight cycling (also known as “yo-yo dieting”) can be a major cause of wrinkles. When you gain weight, your skin stretches out, and when you lose weight, your skin doesn’t immediately bounce back—often resulting in sagging and wrinkles.3. Get 7 to 8 Hours of Sleep Each Night
When you’re frequently not getting enough sleep, your skin may start to age faster. You might start seeing eye bags, dark circles, breakouts, wrinkles and sagging skin. It’s called beauty sleep for a reason!
4. Do Not Smoke
Aside from damaging your respiratory system, smoking essentially creates a little cloud of air pollution around you, which quickly gets absorbed into your skin and can cause accelerated aging.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is the key to healthy, glowing skin. Make sure to drink plenty of water each day and keep your skin hydrated to help slow down and reverse the signs of aging (along with a ton of other benefits!).
6. Establish a Skin Care Regimen Specific to Your Skin Type
Your skin deserves a unique regimen made up of products that work for you and complement each other. It’s important to consider your age, skin type, skin concerns and daily activities when choosing a skin care regimen.Editor's Note: We make it easy to determine your skin type with our short quiz.
7. Get 1 to 2 Hydrating and Cleansing Facials Per Month
Fine lines and wrinkles are often caused by dryness and dehydration. To keep your skin hydrated and wrinkle free, indulge in a facial designed to thoroughly hydrate your skin every once in a while. You can give yourself a facial at home or treat yourself to a spa day.
8. Consider Taking Skin Care Supplements
Beauty or skin care supplements, also known as nutricosmetics, are designed to supply your body with key nutrients and nourish your skin from the inside out.9. Do Not Use Soap on Your Face
Traditional bar soap can be too harsh for the gentle, sensitive skin on your face. To protect your skin, make sure to only use cleansers specifically designed for your face to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils and moisture.
10. Consider Professional Services
In-office treatments like Botox and laser skin resurfacing can be effective at reversing or preventing aging skin, Dr. Glassman says—especially when you make it a routine. For more skin care tips, check out our tips on caring for aging skin at any age. And feel free to share your own tips, concerns and questions in the comments below!Kaitlin Willow is Dermstore's Community Manager. She lives and breathes words—reading as many books as possible and writing her own novel, too. Kaitlin also has a sliiiight obsession with her dog, Benny. Learn more at kaitlinrwillow.com.
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